Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Lone Star College System
Associate's Degree
Analysis
Lone Star College System graduates enter nursing careers earning nearly $10,000 more than the typical Texas nursing graduate—landing solidly at the 60th percentile statewide while keeping debt exceptionally low at just $15,000. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.19, students can realistically pay off their loans in roughly 3-4 months of gross salary, giving them immediate financial flexibility that many four-year nursing programs can't match.
The slight earnings dip from year one to year four ($77,795 to $75,488) deserves attention but doesn't fundamentally change the value equation. Texas nurses often see variable earnings based on shift differentials, overtime availability, and facility staffing needs—factors that can fluctuate year to year. What matters more is that graduates consistently earn well above both state and national medians while carrying minimal debt burden. The program performs especially well when measured nationally, reaching the 85th percentile against all associate nursing programs.
For families concerned about nursing school costs, this represents one of the clearest paths to a stable, well-paying career. Your child graduates with manageable debt, immediate earning power above $75,000, and the flexibility to pursue additional certifications or specializations without being weighed down by loan payments. The community college model delivers here exactly as it should—professional credentials at a fraction of the cost.
Where Lone Star College System Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing associates's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Lone Star College System graduates compare to all programs nationally
Lone Star College System graduates earn $78k, placing them in the 85th percentile of all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing associates programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing associates's programs at peer institutions in Texas (64 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lone Star College System | $77,795 | $75,488 | $15,000 | 0.19 |
| The College of Health Care Professions-Northwest | $91,353 | — | $41,659 | 0.46 |
| El Paso Community College | $79,996 | $69,562 | $17,500 | 0.22 |
| Texas State Technical College | $79,324 | $75,337 | $24,654 | 0.31 |
| Weatherford College | $78,873 | $71,802 | $17,015 | 0.22 |
| Paris Junior College | $78,821 | — | $13,975 | 0.18 |
| National Median | $68,409 | — | $20,751 | 0.30 |
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| The College of Health Care Professions-Northwest Houston | — | $91,353 | $41,659 |
| El Paso Community College El Paso | $3,274 | $79,996 | $17,500 |
| Texas State Technical College Waco | $7,192 | $79,324 | $24,654 |
| Weatherford College Weatherford | $4,560 | $78,873 | $17,015 |
| Paris Junior College Paris | $2,580 | $78,821 | $13,975 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Lone Star College System, approximately 23% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 114 graduates with reported earnings and 334 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.